UPdate “Let us remember that our futures are not determined by the applause we receive, but by the difference we make. Let's go forward with love and gratitude, seeking joy through whatever may lay ahead of us.”
2023 Year 12 Student Leaders Valedictory Address
#YOUbelong
Term 4 2023
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My 10 'Hopes' I Have For You... Kaye Mathwin-Cox Principal Unity College students, there is so much I want to say to you all. After much thought and prayer, I have decided to share some hopes that are my wish for you and your future: 1. I hope you will be kind to yourself and to others. Look after one another, and make sure that in your thoughts, words, and actions you express kindness. It is through kindness that you will show love. Everyone wants to be with kind people. 2. I hope you will always act with respect. You may have heard me when I talk ‘Unity Way’ I share that at Unity we expect respect for yourselves, respect for your learning, respect for others, and respect for the environment. If we act with respect in all that we do, generally others will treat you in the same way. And we all know how much we value being respected ourselves.
4. I hope you dream big. We all have hopes and dreams and my prayer for you is that you dream big and don’t stop at mediocrity. Be curious and creative and have a vision of what you want out of your life, then set your goal and a path to get there. I have often said to you; you can do whatever you want – if you put your mind to it. 5. I hope you will serve others. There is no greater feeling than to serve and help those who need it. When you serve without expectation you are serving God and I promise you, you will get so much more out of service to others than you ever realise. Some of you have experienced this firsthand on our service learning trips and they have been wonderful experiences, to get to know others in a different context. The gift of serving others is a true blessing to all those who practice it.
“Thank you for welcoming me 6. I hope you will make a difference. over the last 7 The world is big. Imagine if every years. I have loved one of you made a difference in the life of just one other. Even 3. I hope you speak up, particularly my time here at better, imagine the effect if you set for injustices. Be brave, even if your sights to make a difference Unity College and that sometimes can make you in one small way in the world, to uncomfortable. Sometimes others I will take with me make the world a better place. need your help, your compassion, Imagine how much richer the so many wonderful and your bravery to stand up, world would be with those acts speak up and help them when you of selflessness. Leave a legacy memories... I feel know what’s right. Know what’s that shows you have made a fair and what’s right, be true to incredibly and difference. yourselves and others, and, above all things, act with integrity. richly blessed."
7. I hope you will have fun. Take a moment to laugh. Stop to enjoy the sunshine, each other, the moments, no matter how small. Don’t focus on the small stuff but instead enjoy the life God has blessed you with. Don’t ignore the beauty and richness of nature, and, rather than social media, be real, enjoy the people who are most important in your life; your family and your friends. 8. I hope you will be grateful for all that you have. You have so much more than so many others in this world. Be grateful for that. Spend time practicing mindfulness, thinking about gratitude for the gifts of life you have been given. Be the glass half full person, not the glass half empty. Life is too short to be negative about it. Each day is a moment, and the bad days will pass. Spend time thinking about all the wonderful blessings you have, and be thankful.
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Farewell Mrs MC
9. I hope you keep safe. Your life is important and means so much to so many. So, look after it. Look after yourselves. Be safe in all that you do. Make the right choices so that you stay as safe as you can, because you are important, you are valued, and you are loved. 10. I hope you know you are not alone. You have many people who care about you. Your family, your friends, but you also have God. Know that He is there, walking alongside of you, through the good times and the challenging times. He will be there if and when you seek Him out. So, make sure you do. Remember He is with you always. In Matthew 28:20 Jesus says: Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Thank you, Unity College students and Unity families and friends, for being an incredible community. Thank you for welcoming me over the last 7 years. I have loved my time here at Unity College and I will take with me so many wonderful memories of you and the College. I feel incredibly and richly blessed. Unity College students... Go and be amazing!
Thank You Mrs MC
FROM THE STUDENT LEADERS Mrs MC is finishing her journey at Unity at the end of this year. To say you will be missed is an understatement. You are a leader, a mentor, and a friend who has single handedly created the Unity Way. You actively role model our school values through caring for others, encouraging curiosity and learning, involving everyone in activities, engaging in community events and day to day life, while inspiring your students and staff to reach their full potential. We thank you for all your hard work and dedication over the last seven years and wish you luck for your new chapter.
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Staffing Update
As the year comes to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful Unity College staff team. Farewell to:
+ Kaye Mathwin-Cox: 7 years of service (long service leave, completion of her tenure) + Ian Oosthuizen: 2 years of service (Karoonda Area School) + Leanne Camilleri: 1 year of service (end of contract) + Shane Crilly: 20 years of service (retirement) + Glenda Koch: 20 years of service (retirement) + Wayne Gehling: 10 years of service (Good News Lutheran College, Tarneit VIC) + Carolyn McLaughlin: 23 years of service (retirement) + Katie Bertram: 1 year of service (end of contract) + Chloe Trotta: 18 months of service (Tintinara Area School) The following staff will be taking leave in 2024: + Tessa Grant The following staff will be returning from leave in 2024: + + + +
Amy Daniell Athalie McArdle Andrew Beaven Gemma Simounds
And we will welcome the following staff to the Unity Team in 2024: + Francois Pienaar: Principal + Meaghan Spiteri: Junior School teacher + Raegan Hill: ELC Director + Andrew Dewhirst: M/SS teacher + Jeremy Baldwin: M/SS teacher + Colleen Bradfield: M/SS teacher + Jessie Rathjen: Junior School teacher Please note, some positions are still to be confirmed and will be announced early 2024.
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2023 End of Year Awards
Inspire
SENIOR SCHOOL + UCOS Christian Leadership Award: Alicia Koop (Year 12) + Unity Way Service Award: Max Loller (Year 12) + The Journey Award: Olivia Eldridge (Year 12) + Neville Grieger Award: Baxter Gierus-Heintze (Year 12) + Order of Australia Student Citizenship Award: Bella Schubert (Year 12) + ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award: Sophie Frahn (Year 10), Briannah Griffiths (Year 12) + ADF Future Innovators Award: Keeley Smith (Year 10), Emelia Morgan (Year 12) + Olympic Change-Maker Award: Bridie Loller (Year 11), Piper Wegener (Year 12) + Tracey Venning Memorial Award: Taleah Bailey (Year 12) + Geography Explorer’s Award: Emily Kerr (Year 12) + Ampol Best All-Rounder Award: Sienna Daniell (Year 12) + Lutheran Women of SA & NT Award: Emily Willis (Year 10) + Muriel Matters Award: Jessica Kerr (Year 10)
YEAR 12 SUBJECT AWARDS + Gianluca Calgaro: Physics + Sienna Daniell: English, Nutrition, Psychology, Research Project B + Olivia Eldridge: Design, Technology & Engineering Robotic & Electronic Systems + Riley Franke: Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics + Baxter Gierus-Heintze: English Literary Studies, Modern History, Music Studies, Music: Solo Performance & Ensemble Performance + Zoe Hawkes: Essential Mathematics
+ Lachlan Hincks: Vocational Education & Training - Industry Excellence + Isaac Kennett: Agriculture Productions, Research Project A + Max Loller: Design, Technology & Engineering - Material Solutions + Ebony Millikin: Geography + Emelia Morgan: Business Innovation + Bella Schubert: Biology + Kaitlyn Stamatakis: Child Studies + Piper Wegener: General Mathematics, Physical Education, Vocational Education & Training Academic Excellence
YEAR 10/11 AWARDS + Encouragement Award: Bailee Roberts (Year 11) Mitchell Hincks (Year 10) + Community Service Award: Ella O'Brien (Year 11) Taya Bormann (Year 10) + Student Leadership Award: Narelle Griffiths (Year 11) Cooper Lienert (Year 10) + Academic Merit Award: Ellie Harrison (Year 11) Jessica Kerr (Year 10)
MIDDLE SCHOOL + UCOS Christian Leadership Award: Fallon Small (Year 9) + The Journey Award: Brodie Cox (Year 9)
YEAR 6-9 AWARDS + Encouragement Award: Grace Carey (Year 9) Lenni Hincks (Year 8) Jaslyn Helgeson (Year 7) Matilda Harvey (Year 6)
+ Community Service Award: Alexandra White (Year 9) Elizabeth Cartledge (Year 8) Maverick Mickan (Year 6) + The Lions Fred Faehrmann Service Award: Helayna White (Year 7) + Student Leadership Award: Ryley Neumann (Year 8) Ashton Smith (Year 7) William Hollis (Year 6) + Academic Merit Award: Taj Garrett, Eli Hollis, Tyler White (Year 9) Aiden Johncock (Year 8) Helayna White (Year 7) Indii Garrett (Year 6)
JUNIOR SCHOOL + UCOS Christian Leadership Award: Molly Mason (Year 5) + Community Service & Spirit Award: Bella Marchetti (Year 5) + Student Leadership Award: Evie Calnan (Year 5) + Academic Achievement Award: Josh Zarantonello (Year 5)
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Closing Time “As we leave here today, let us remember that our futures are not determined by the applause we receive, but by the difference we make. Let’s go forward with love and gratitude, seeking joy through whatever may lay ahead of us.” 2023 Unity College Year 12 Student Leaders From their final presentation to the College community to their Valedictory Service - we joined together to reflect on 13 years of life, laughter, learning, memories and friendships. We wish our newest graduates God’s blessing as they navigate life outside Unity College as they enter the workforce, travel or complete further study. We thank them for what they have brought to the College over the years and pray they always remember to embrace uncertainty, cherish the moments, believe in themselves, show kindness and chase their dreams. These lessons equip all of us with the strength and resilience to conquer any mountain that looms on your horizon. God Bless Class of 2023, #YOUbelong.
Scan the QR code to see more photos from the Class of 2023 Graduation.
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Senior School High Tea
The talented Year 10 Food & Hospitality students created and served a stunning High Tea to our extremely deserving Junior School staff. Students were required to plan a menu that considered dietary requirements, design a written menu, make everything from scratch, present the food for display, and then serve it to some very grateful recipients. An immense amount of work completed with smiles and resulting in delicious treats!
P.A.R.T.Y Year 10 students participated in the interactive Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y) program at the RAH. This highly realistic, interactive program introduces students to trauma patients and staff of the Emergency and Intensive Care departments. When asked “What do you consider the most important thing you learnt today” responses included: + One mistake can change your life + It can happen to anyone + Don’t be scared to ask your friends to slow down + Make good choices. Back at school, the remaining Year 10s enjoyed a session with the Sammy D Foundation chatting about violent acts and their rippling effects on the community.
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Sharing Passion Our Year 9s finish Middle School knowing that when you serve others you often get more out of it than the people you serve. The Passion Project (MYP Community Project) has seen students delve into diverse global and local issues while making positive change. From addressing illiteracy on a global scale to understanding the plight of local homelessness, advocating for animal shelters, and even exploring the often-overlooked injuries in dance, the projects were driven by a passionate desire to make a difference. In their pursuit of change, action looked different for everyone. Some crafted compelling letters to local politicians urging them to combat issues, others ran impactful social media campaigns to gain support. Volunteering allowed some to actively engage in their communities and support local initiatives. Meanwhile, others mobilised their community to gather donations. It’s clear every contribution counts and we could celebrate this truth with them and their parents at graduation. Through it all, the Year 9s developed crucial skills – critical thinking, collaboration and communication – and we know they will transfer these skills to life far beyond the classroom. We also hope they take with them the truth that God makes us new people with a purpose and a passion, and that each of us can join in the good things He does in this world – no matter how small.
Scan the QR code to see more photos from the 2023 Year 9 Graduation.
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Middle School
Activities Day
ETHOS Excursion
Lessons are over and there is fun to be had – from hiking to fishing, Christmas craft to ginger bread house decorating – the Middle Schoolers finished 2023 with a day of fun, friendship and Mr Whippy icecream!
The ETHOS extension group have focused on Sports Data Analysis this Semester, which led to a visit to the University of South Australia City East Campus for an Exercise Physiology and Sports Data Analysis Workshop. Students experienced the same fitness tests elite athletes would to better their performance including grip power strength, reaction time testing and sprint agility tests.
Public Speaking We celebrate Yasmin Harrowfield and Xavier O’Brien who represented Unity with wit and wisdom at the 2023 Year 8 South Australian Lutheran School Public Speaking Competition. Unity hosted six other schools, each sending two representatives to speak their mind in 3 minutes. With such compassionate, creative and clever speakers we know the future is in good hands. We can’t wait to hear what they have to say next year! Congratulations to Concordia College who took home the trophy.
The most extreme of the tests saw Helayna White rigged up to a bunch of tubes testing her VO2 max aerobic abilities running on a treadmill reaching her full speed for 2km.
“It felt like I was some sort of robot as there were heart rate monitors and a massive tube connected to my face to collect carbon dioxide. It was very exhausting but very fun to do. There was a marking indicator to show how I was rating the personal exhaustion level. Out of a possible level 20 which was extreme, I managed to make it to level 19.” Helyana White The ETHOS team was also able to speak with Professor Grant – a former AFL and Australian Hockey team sports analyser – who showed real data examples of sports scientists tracking athletes such as LeBron James and Buddy Franklin, and tour the City East Laboratories and practice hospital. A great opportunity to see just a bit of what it would be like to study to become an exercise sports physiologist or statistician.
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Junior School
Splish Splash
Term 4 means Junior School swimming lessons and they began not a day too soon as we sweated through our first 40+ degree day of the summer.
Life is Better on the Farm Reception students donned their boots and packed their smoko to visit the picturesque Hahndorf Farm Barn where they enjoyed meeting the farmers and all the baby animals. Daisy was the highlight of the show, who snuck in behind the farmers when the students called her name. Milking her was a bit tricky and the Receptions were glad we buy our milk from the shop! Laughter rang out when the emus ate carrots from their heads and after meeting ponies, donkeys, balancing goats, ostriches, deer, a turkey and a wellbehaved alpaca they were ready for the scaly friends… or were they?
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Let Your Light Shine Year 5 students graduated from the Junior School with a special devotion and celebrated with a day of bowling and a picnic pizza lunch at Sturt Reserve. We wish them God's Blessings as they begin their journey in Middle School.
Year 5 Band Awards Congratulations to the following students who were awarded section awards for the 2023 Year 5 Band: + + + +
Trumpet: Bradley Bock Clarinet: Evie Calnan Flute: Lydia Hollis Trombone: Kaiden Gates
Hot Shots Round 2 A team of talented Year 3/4 Tennis players consisting of Cooper Hincks, Samuel Buscumb, Ashton Horsman, Emmeline Gallasch, Indy Braun, Kaley Burgemeister, Jed Harrington and Amber Gibbs were selected to play Hot Shots Tennis at the Tennis SA Clay Courts and Pavilion in Adelaide. The first time playing on clay courts for most, the students were split into four teams of doubles with each team playing a total of sixteen 15-minute matches. Thank you to Naomi Gibbs, Stuart Horsman and Jake Buscumb for helping transport and encourage the students on the day.
Scan the QR code to see more photos from the 2023 Year 5 Graduation.
What Memories Are Made Of! To celebrate the end of 2023, Year 2 students participated in their first school sleepover. They enjoyed activities including a scavenger hunt, minute to win it games and a night game with torches. The excitement was buzzing all throughout the evening with lots of laughter and teamwork evident. The next morning, they woke ready for their last day of Year 2, enjoyed breakfast in the sunshine and Christmas movie and end of year class party. An extremely exciting and successful experience and a wonderful way to celebrate an amazing year with a great group of children.
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Areyonga Service Trip In the Term 3 School Holidays, a group of 9 students and 4 staff visited Areyonga on the first Service Trip since 2019. Giving of their time and talents, the team served the Areyonga community with big hearts and curious minds – learning so much about this special place and the people who call it home. From finding witchetty grubs, tasting the local delicacy – kangaroo tail, exploring the breathtaking country and learning about the culture and customs of the Utju people – our students stepped outside of their comfort zones. A highlight was being present for the Confirmation Service of the Areyonga students attending Unity.
“As a parent of one of this year’s participants I cannot recommend this trip enough. Just the most amazing thing for a young person to do.” “As another parent of a student that went on this trip, I also cannot recommend this enough. The stories we have heard in the last 24hrs since they’ve returned home of the things they’ve seen and what they’ve learnt and experienced is absolutely incredible and what dreams are made of. Such an amazing opportunity for young people to be involved in.” Participants: Sophie Frahn, Dana Eggers, Tyson Dodd, Nathalie Wood, Bailee Roberts, Bryce Woidt, Grace Rolton, Hannah Daniel, Brodie Cox Staff: Mr Adam Yeager, Mrs Kaye Mathwin-Cox, Mrs Stacey Clayson, Mr Stephen March
Care
Scan the QR code to see more photos from the 2023 Areyonga Service Trip.
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Going Green
Cheese Please!
The Going Green team joined the Year 11 Biology class on an excursion to Monarto Safari Park. While there, the Going Green team donated 20 mobile phones to the Zoo’s Chimp Conservation Program. The program recycles mobile phones in the hope that the Chimpanzee’s habitat will be saved from mining for the minerals needed to produce smartphones – receiving $2 per phone which goes towards the Chimpanzee program. The Going Gream Team also collects used batteries to recycle in the correct manner, as well as running the recycling program YearCollege’s 10 students got a taste which consists theforce, Going Green of entering the of work team sorting the from the participating in a waste mock job Recycling into positions categories interview –bins for real bysuch as returns, paper, cardboard, real10c businesses. Students ‘applied’ glass and position hard plastics. for a real in an industry of interest to them and were then interviewed by local businesspeople for those roles. We thank the volunteers from the community who assisted our students in this very worthwhile opportunity.
The Year 8 Dairy Production classes visited Beston Global Food Company for an informative – and tasty – tour of the facilities at the Murray Bridge Cheese Plant. Exploring the cheese making process as one of the main uses for cow’s milk, students were taught about automated hard cheese (including Cheddar and Gouda) and cream cheese making. This included following all the food safe requirements such as hand and boot washing and wearing PPE, and the science and skill of getting the product right to suit customers needs and tastes.
Year 10 Outdoor Education students attended a 2-day rock climbing expedition at Morialta and Onkaparinga Conservation Parks. Students were blessed with perfect weather and were lucky enough to have the entire climbing crags to themselves at both venues which enabled them to apply the skills and understanding developed in class to successfully challenge their personal goals and achieve new heights in a variety of climbing routes with varying degrees of challenge, while keeping themselves and their peers safe.
Mock Interviews
Conquering Mountains (or very big hills)
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Learn
Music can Change the World! Our Unity College musicians were busy in Term 4, spreading joy through a variety of performances in our community. Firstly, it was a Murraylands musical collaboration on stage at the Murray Bridge Town Hall where the Unity Concert Band performed in a celebration of band music together with the Murray Bridge High School Concert Band and Murray Bridge Community Band. Senior students Ella O’Brien and Baxter GierusHeintze played solo repertoires, and the finale was a combined band of over 50 musicians. The Unity College Senior Choir was also out and about this term performing for the Murray Mallee Aged Care Group and the residents of the Lutheran Homes – where they were joined by the very enthusiastic Junior Choir. We are thankful for the opportunities to perform in front of very appreciative audiences.
X-Stacy Year 10 Drama students performed their semester presentation 'X-Stacy' by Margery Forde, featuring a double cast, over two nights.
こんにちは みなさん！ Year 9 and Year 10 Japanese students visited the Central Markets and China Town. Students completed a heated Amazing Race activity where they competed to find items matching Japanese descriptions, talked to the lovely staff at Little Tokyo in Japanese, completed some topic centred Bingo board activities, ate some Japanese inspired lunch and enjoyed a refreshing Bubble Tea/ Boba よく できました。 This excursion was a key part of our Year 9 Japanese learning experience and the students were excited to fit it into an ever-busy year of hosting, cultural exchanges and excursions. ありがとうございました！
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Trade Skills Centre Update ENGINEERING PATHWAYS
Learn
Engineering students proudly showed off their completed group project – a Go-Kart affectionately named Carloss!
GOOD NEWS STORY Term 4 saw five students (with more to come) sign up to complete School Based Apprenticeships in a variety of fields – a great way of beginning their career journey while still completing their SACE! Pictured is Talan Mullins (Year 11) who will complete a Cert 3 in Bricklaying & Blocklaying through the Statewide Group Training, hosted by local employer WL Bricklaying.
WORKING AT HEIGHTS
Child Studies For their final Stage 1 Child Studies task, Year 11 students had to create a show for children aged up to 8 years old. Once completed, these shows were ‘tested’ on the Little Scholar and Receptions students. With popcorn provided for an added sweetner, the Junior School students loved it, showing lots of interaction which was the ultimate goal.
Certificate 3 Rural Operations students completed a 2-day workshop at Unity to gain their tickets for working safely at heights and entering and working in confined spaces.
History Up Close and Personal Year 9 students were privileged to get up close and personal with a variety of World War One artefacts kindly supplied by the Unley Museum. Students experienced the weight of the helmets, played a game of two up, and explored how soldiers were commemorated by holding a memorial plaques, issued to over 60,000 next of kin in an effort to comfort grief-stricken families whose brothers, sons and husbands had died for freedom and honour.
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Knockout Sport Highlights 5/6 BASKETBALL (GIRLS) FINALS 5TH OVERALL
Involve
Molly Mason (Year 5) Madison Burgemeister, Airlie Clayson, Indii Garrett, Lucy Mason, Logan Morrell, Sadie Vowles, Matilda Harvey (Year 6)
9/10 BASKETBALL (GIRLS) FINALS 5TH OVERALL Lexie Buick, Halle Jarvis (Year 9) Gemma Cocks, Alice Laube, Millicent Manning, Rosie Vowles (Year 10)
7/8 CRICKET (BOYS) - FINALS RUNNER-UP Henry Blatchford, Riley Gladigau, Jai Williss (Year 7) Ethan Fiegert, Aiden Franke, Toby Hollis, William McBride, Alex Mundy, Ryley Neumann, Thomas Nuske, Archie Patterson, Lucas Piggott (Year 8)
5/6 TENNIS (BOYS) - ROUND 1 Suleman Khan, Ollie Matthewson, Callum Oster, Josh Zarantonello (Year 5) Wyatt Gallasch, Maverick Mickan (Year 6)
5/6 TENNIS (GIRLS) - ROUND 1 Indii Garrett, Taylor Lienert, Jiamin Lu, Ava Maczkowiack, Logan Morrell, Sadie Vowles (Year 6)
7/8 TENNIS (BOYS) - ROUND 1 Nate Oster, Charlie White, Kallan Woidt, Jack Rich (Year 7)
7/8 TENNIS (GIRLS) - FINALS Ruby Thiele, Ruby Pfeiffer, Abby Sanders (Year 7) Annabelle Vowles (Year 8)
9/10 TENNIS (BOYS) - ROUND 1 Hayden Law, Cooper Lienert, Darcy Rich, Sam White, Bryce Woidt (Year 10)
9/10 TENNIS (GIRLS) - ROUND 1
Demi Harrington, Isla Mickan (Year 9), Millicent Manning, Rosie Vowles (Year 10)
SAPSASA Representatives Congratulations to the following students who represented the Murraylands in SAPSASA competitions:
SAPSASA CRICKET Nate Slok, Charlie Woidt (Year 5) William Hollis, Jack Watson, Charlie Williams (Year 6)
SAPSASA TENNIS Josh Zarantonello (Year 5) Indii Garrett, Taylor Lienert, Maverick Mickan, Logan Morrell, Sadie Vowles (Year 6)
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Involve
Lest We Forget
The whole school came together to remember and reflect on those who sacrificed so much for us and our country on Remembrance Day, led by the Year 9 Ambassadors and assisted by the Year 5 Ambassadors.
Three in a Row!
Government House Visit 2023 Senior Student Leaders Baxter Gierus-Heintze and Bella Schubert represented Unity College at a special Student Leadership Reception at the South Australian Government House in Adelaide during the Term 3 school holidays. Here they met the Governor of SA, Frances Adamson AC, and Mr Bunten and mingled with other Student Leaders from schools across South Australia.
After a year of accumulating points through school and community service, academic achievement, sporting results and random good deeds, Union was announced as the recipient of the 2023 MS/SS House Shield, proudly led by House Captains Callum Thomas and Emily Kerr.
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2024 Student Leadership Announcement STUDENT LEADERS + Year 12: Dana Eggers, Ellie Harrison, Bridie Loller + Year 11: Hayden Law, Cooper Lienert, Rylie Stephenson
HOUSE CAPTAINS + Cooperation: Millie Daniels, Alicia Jacobs + Loyalty: Narelle Griffiths, Millicent Manning + Progress: Abby Harrowfield, Bailey Morrell + Union: Ruby Ballard, Oscar Coull
YEAR 9 AMBASSADORS Elly Burgemeister, Nate Clayson, Toby Hollis, Ryley Neumann, Lilly Purvis, Ava Schubert
YEAR 5 AMBASSADORS Emmeline Gallasch, Samuel Masters
YEAR 5 SRC Audrey O'Brien, Matilda Mason, Duy Pham, Lachlan Lawrence
YEAR 5 HOUSE CAPTAINS + Progress: Levi Neumann, Keigan Russell + Cooperation: Cooper Hincks, Indy Braun + Union: Max Blatchford, Amalia Barolo + Loyalty: Spencer Loveday, Beau Cant, Madison Hearne We congratulate these students and look forward to watching them grow in their leadership in 2024.
Thinking of Others Unity students were busy packing boxes for Operation Christmas Child this term. These shoe boxes were given to children across the world in need of some extra love this Christmas. Bless our Unity students who are learning the true value of giving.
Leaders in Training The 2024 Student Leaders have enjoyed a range of leadership development sessions preparing them for their important role in the College next year. Early in Term 4, the Student Leaders and House Captains enjoyed a team building session at Unity working with Heads of School and the outgoing 2023 Student Leaders on goal setting and planning how to best serve the school community. This was followed with a training day at Tatachilla Lutheran College, designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge and tools necessary to effectively lead and contribute positively to the culture of the College. We look forward to what this team of wonderful young adults will bring to the Unity community in their roles next year.
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Jingle Bells Christmas arrived in Murray Bridge with the annual Christmas Pageant and Unity College was represented on two floats. The combined Year 6 and Concert Band entertained the crowd all the way to Sturt Reserve with Christmas favourites and the Year 2s shared their message 'Let His Word Unwrap the Magic of Christmas' with waves and massive smiles. Special thanks to the Haby and Scammell families for providing the transport and the volunteers who assisted to decorate the floats. True community and Christmas spirit in action!
Just2Deadly Congratulations to four of our students who celebrated their graduation from Year 6 with recognition at the Just 2 Deadly (J2D) Awards in Murray Bridge. J2D is the local celebration of the National Deadly Award, an annual celebration of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievement in music, sport, entertainment, the arts, health, education, training and community. The local version is named ‘Just 2 Deadly’ as Aboriginal people use the term “just too deadly” as an expression when something or someone is “great, fantastic and awesome”. A fabulous opportunity for families and the community to celebrate the educational achievements of student’s graduating from Years 6 and 12. Congratulations Jake, Joshua, Philip and Ameliah.
Engage
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Areyonga Update Term 4 was a big term for our Areyonga students. Highlights included:
Mock Interviews Year 10 students got a taste of entering the work force, participating in a mock job interview – for real positions by real businesses. Students ‘applied’ for a real position in an industry of interest to them and were then interviewed by local business people for those roles. Thank you to the volunteers from the community who assisted our students in this very worthwhile opportunity.
+ The Service Trip to Areyonga where the Areyonga students got to show our Unity students around and share cultural activities with them. + Confirmation in Areyonga with many family members traveling far to be a part of the service. Pastor Paul from the Murray Bridge community worked with Unity and Pastor Malcom for the service. + Graduation for our three Year 12 students followed, and they were joined by family for this special occasion. + Weekend and Student Free Day activities including a cultural colour run in Adelaide, swimming at the pool, days at the beach, visiting the Beach House and Zone Bowl – experiences that are completely different to things available to them in the Northern Territory. + A two-day experience at Murraylands Aquatic Centre where the students participated in stand-up paddle boarding, sit ons, driving the boat and sailing on the catamarans. + Year 9 students participated in the graduation from Middle School. + Farewelling Mrs MC in the Areyonga community with a celebratory BBQ thanking her for all of her support for the Areyonga students. After a very busy term we are looking forward to a well-deserved break.
Image: Australian Olympic Team
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Student Achievements
Bridie Loller (Year 11) was selected as one of 26 young leaders from around Australia to attend the national Olympic Change Maker Summit at the AIS in Canberra. While attending the summit, Bridie connected with other young people creating positive change in their communities through sport and was privileged to meet a few Olympians, including Olympic gold medal winning swimmer Mack Horton. [1]
Rikki Borchers (Year 3) and Kaitlyn August (Year 1) competed in the Mounted Games National Pairs Championships U12 in September. Rikki and her pair came 5th and Kaitlyn and her pair came 8th. [2 & 3]
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Madeleine Clarke (Year 3) and her dog “Boo” placed 2nd in the South Australian Junior Handler State Finals for 7-10 year olds in August. [4]
Netball: 17U State Team Squad 2024 – Layla Hearne (Year 10), Jessica Kerr (Year 10) and Porsha Marchetti (Year 9).
Callum Maher (Year 3) competed in Rodeoing at Wentworth, in some Junior Team Roping events. Earlier this year Callum also took out the team penning champions buckles for 23/23 season with his brother – a huge feat as he’s the youngest competitor. Steven Thomas (Year 10) has qualified for the professional rodeo circuit and is in the Breakaway and Team Roping Team. Steven is currently leading the points tally as well as competing full time on the Australian rodeo circuit to gain experience to try and make it to his first Australian Junior Finals in Queensland next year. [5] Rotary Youth Art Prize 2023: Zoe Hawkes (Year 12) received 3rd place (15-17 years category) with her work Untitled (graphite pencil on paper) and Florence Thumlert (Year 11) received 2nd place (15-17 years category) with her artwork Propelled (acrylic and found paper on canvas. [6] Basketball: U14 SA Country Emerging Athlete Development Program 2023/24 – Sadie Vowles (Year 6), Seth Rankine (Year 7) and Airlie Clayson (Year 6) – Development Player.
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This term the children have been inquiring “What is the very best thing about Christmas?” We have been opening a special Christmas box each week to discover and learn about the different symbols of Christmas. Each of these symbols has been a part of our Nativity story, and has been hung on our Christmas tree as we share each part of the story. Has this been the very best thing? We were lucky to have visits from Pastor Dave’s dog Whippy, from Nina’s buffalo calf, from Mila’s Dad who cooked us a special burger lunch, from Olivia the musician, and from lots of Aussie animals from Animals Anonymous. Has this been the very best thing? We put up our Christmas tree, made all sorts of colourful and creative decorations, created the longest paper chains ever, donated to the Giving Tree for AC Care, and made Christmas gifts for our penpals and our families. Has this been the very best thing? We sung like angels as we prepared our Christmas presentation and were the stars of our own movie as we recalled and retold the Nativity story of the very first Christmas. We put on our best dance moves and got our faces painted for Dance Party Day. We almost decided this was the very best thing! We made giant lollipops, patterned candy canes and all sorts of sweets to decorate our Christmas Pageant float. It was so exciting to dress up, ride on the truck and share the message that “Jesus is the Sweetest Gift.” We invited our Lutheran community penpals to come and see our Nativity movie and join with us for Christmas craft. Was this the very best thing?
Concordia Kindy
During our inquiry we shared Bible stories, explored Christmas artefacts, read about Christmas celebrations around the world, asked questions, and shared our thinking together. At the end of a fun filled and busy term of learning, we finally came to an agreement on the very best thing about Christmas. If you came along to our end of year Graduation service you would’ve heard all the children singing together joyfully, “The best thing, the very best thing, the best thing about Christmas is JESUS!”
A very big thank you to everyone who has supported the kindergarten in any way, we really appreciate your involvement and generosity. We wish all of our 2023 Concordia Kindergarten graduates God’s blessings as they start their schooling journey, and all of our families a safe and beautiful Christmas Season, celebrating the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
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UNITY
Fun for FOOD the whole FEST family
FOR UNITY BY UNITY AT UNITY
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\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ 23 Feb 2024/4-8pm Free Entry
Education is the most powerful weapon which YOU can use to change the world. Nelson Mandela Owl Drive, Murray Bridge PO Box 5141, Murray Bridge South South Australia 5253
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